If this happens, I suspect Daisuke might decide to retire and past on the throne to Yuzuru :D

Actually, I don't think so. At least according to the English-language sources available, Daisuke's repeatedly reiterated his intention to stay until Sochi (yay!).

Since we're freely delving into the world of fantasy, here are my dream podiums:

MEN
1. Daisuke Takahashi - Duh. Also, as I've said earlier, I want to see Pangtongfan's reaction if this actually happens.
2. Jeremy Abbott - I want him to win a world medal as befits his talents and programs
3. Yuzuru Hanyu - a world medal should be more than sufficient to whet his appetite for bigger prizes

LADIES
1. Akiko Suzuki - because a world title would be the perfect fairy-tale climax/ending for her tumultuous career, as well as make up for all those years of lowballing
2. Carolina Kostner - love her programs, but don't want to see her jump content win a world title in 2012
3. Mao Asada - she can win a world title next year when she gets her 3As back

PAIRS
1. Savchenko/Szolkowy - because Pina is a wonderful program
2. Volosozhar/Trankov - hopefully another world silver would be incentive enough for them to ditch the Morozov choreography
3. Kavaguti/Smirnov - because Clair de Lune is a wonderful program

ICE DANCE
1. Davis/White - because I don't think anything will beat Die Fledermaus
2. Virtue/Moir - I'm not a fan of Funny Face, and their SD is looking worse with every tweak
3. Weaver/Poje - to see how Skate Canada will react to this, especially with their apparent politicking of another team. Also, Je Suis Malade is great

It hasnt been confirmed who China is sending. My guess is if Pang & Tong want to go they are a lock but I am not sure if they want to compete or not. I am not sure who they will choose between the Zhangs and Sui & Han if Pang & Tong choose to compete. So really any combination of 2 teams wouldnt surprise me. I dont think any have a chance at more than bronze though, and I dont pick any of them to even win the bronze.

gold--alissa
silver--akiko
bronze--carolina kostner
why just in case ( i am not in the know, but if the "older Ladies want to stop ) they can go out with their heads held high, each with a world medal.
i think they will stay, but just in case